Johnny Football is back.
The highs and lows of Johnny Manziel’s football career seemed all packed into one game Saturday night for his debut in the Fan Controlled Football (FCF) league.
The former Heisman Trophy winner completed 1 of 5 passes for 11 yards, adding 67 yards and a touchdown on eight carries, including an impressive 38 yard scramble on his first snap. His team, the Zappers, lost 48-44, but Manziel still had a good time.
“The product will get better and better as the weeks go by,” Manziel said after the game. “A good start even in the event of a loss. You know, win or lose, we drink alcohol on the Zappers. “
Saturday’s game in the new 7v7 league, in which fans can call off offensive plays, was Manziel’s first football action since 2019 when he played for the Memphis Express in the Alliance of American Football. He bounced from league to league after playing his last NFL moment with the Browns in 2015.
The 28-year-old was looking forward to it after the game, but still enjoyed his FCF debut.
“It feels like I was super washed up, but I still had a great time,” he said. “That was the best thing I’ve had in a while.”
Manziel most resembled “Johnny Football” on his first attack, climbing up the left sideline and bouncing on two defenders while spinning around with the end zone in sight. But he was eventually knocked down from within the 5-yard line.
“Can you see me getting caught from behind too?” he said. “Times have changed. We are definitely in 2021.”
Manziel was fired twice, including once in the end zone for safety. His touchdown run came on something of a read zone, held the ball to himself and came in from two yards.
“We’re having a great time,” he said. “This competition is fun, and everyone here is having a good time, so we’ll keep getting better.”